Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the price of a pack of cigarettes will be increasing today from 6pm.
The price hike comes as part of the spring Budget announced back in March. Duty rates on tobacco products will increase by the rate of RPI inflation plus two per cent. Read more: Meanwhile, the rate on hand-rolling tobacco will increase by RPI inflation plus six per cent.
Simon Clark, director at smokers' group Forest, said: "The government must stop weaponising tax in the war on smoking. "The majority of smokers come from poorer backgrounds. "Many have suffered financially as a result of the pandemic and should not have to face yet another increase in the cost of tobacco at a time when they can least afford it." C
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